Pick details
| MATCHUP | Los Angeles Dodgers | Pittsburgh Pirates |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 42-24 | 34-32 |
| Spread | -1.5 149 | +1.5 -181 |
| Moneyline | -110 | -110 |
| Total | Over 8 (-108) | Under 8 (-112) |
| Where | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | |
| When | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:40 PM EDT | |
| TV | MLB.TV | |
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates will meet on Tuesday night in the opening game of a three‑game National League series at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter Tuesday’s contest with a 42–24 overall record (1st in the National League West) and a 20–12 mark on the road. The Dodgers offense has been one of the most productive units in Major League Baseball this season. Los Angeles has compiled 296 runs scored (2nd in MLB), 110 doubles, 90 home runs and a .262 team batting average which ranks first Major League Baseball.
The Dodgers arrive at tomorrow’s game in good form. Los Angeles has won four of the team’s last six games played this season, including a thrilling 1–0 shutout victory over the Los Angeles Angels three days ago.
Los Angeles will turn to left hander Eric Lauer in this contest. In eight starts made this season, Lauer has compiled a 2–5 win‑loss record, a 5.74 ERA, a 1.38 WHIP and 31 strikeouts, while allowing 47 hits and 18 walks in 47 innings pitched. Lauer will look to improve on his recent struggles on the mound in tomorrow’s matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have amassed a formidable lineup featuring outfielder Andy Pages and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. Pages enters this contest with a .283 batting average, 14 home runs (17th in MLB), 53 RBIs (1st in MLB) and an .852 OPS. Shohei Ohtani has tallied a .302 batting average (15th in MLB), 11 home runs, 43 walks, 6 stolen bases, 35 RBIs, and a .939 OPS which ranks 16th in Major League Baseball.
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Pirates enter Tuesday night’s matchup with a 34–32 overall record (3rd in the National League Central) and an 18–15 mark at home. Pittsburgh has played below average baseball recently, losing four of the team’s last five games played this season, including an 11–9 loss to the Houston Astros last week.
Pittsburgh will start talented right hander Paul Skenes in tomorrow’s game. In 13 starts made this season, Skenes has compiled a 6–5 record, a 3.09 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP (3rd in MLB) and 82 strikeouts (12th in MLB), while allowing 51 hits and 13 walks in 70 innings pitched.
The Pittsburgh Pirates lineup features outfielder Oneil Cruz and third baseman Nick Gonzales. Cruz has tallied a .264 batting average, 14 home runs (17th in MLB), 44 RBIs (10th in MLB), 30 walks, 21 stolen bases and an .822 OPS. Nick Gonzales has compiled a rather impressive .309 batting average (9th in MLB), 15 walks, 11 doubles. 3 stolen bases and a .745 OPS.
Why the Los Angeles Dodgers will win.
• Offensive firepower. Andy Pages and Shohei Ohtani continue to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup.
• Overall record. Los Angeles enters tomorrow’s contest with one of the best win-loss records (42-24) in the National League.
• Current form. The Dodgers have won five of the team’s last six games played in 2026.
Why the Pittsburgh Pirates will win.
• Elite starting pitching. In 13 starts made this season, Paul Skenes has compiled a 6–5 record, a 3.09 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP (3rd in MLB) and 82 strikeouts which ranks 12th in Major League Baseball.
• Offensive upside. Nick Gonzales and Oneil Cruz provide a strong core to the Pirates lineup.
• Home field edge. The Pittsburgh Pirates have played competitive baseball at PNC Park this season posting a respectable 18-15 record.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction
In my opinion, this matchup favors the Pittsburgh Pirates staying within the number (1.5). Why? Pittsburgh starting pitcher Paul Skenes has pitched at high level in 2026 posting a robust 0.91 WHIP (3rd in MLB) and a massive 82 strikeouts (12th in MLB). The Pirates have also played well at home compiling an 18-15 record. Yes, I know that the Dodgers have also played quality baseball this season. With that said, the Pirates have the clear starting pitching edge here which leads me to liking Pittsburgh keeping this one relatively close. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Pittsburgh Pirates plus the 1.5 runs in this contest.
Hans Geevers's Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5
